On the day after Christmas in 2010, a dedicated police officer's life was tragically cut short in Woburn, Massachusetts. John B. Maguire, a 60-year-old Caucasian male and a 34-year veteran of the Woburn Police Department, was killed in the line of duty on the evening of December 26th. A man known for his commitment to his family and his community, Maguire was nearing retirement when he responded to a call that would be his last.
The incident began to unfold around 9:00 p.m.
at a Kohl's department store, where a robbery of the jewelry counter was in progress as employees prepared to close. Three men were involved in the heist; one entered the store to commit the robbery, a second acted as a lookout, and a third waited in a getaway vehicle. After seizing a bag of jewelry, the suspects fled the store. It was in the parking lot that they encountered Officer Maguire, who had just arrived on the scene.
Without hesitation, Maguire confronted one of the suspects and a foot pursuit began. During the chase, the suspect opened fire, striking the veteran officer four times in the torso. Despite his fatal injuries, Officer Maguire returned fire, killing the gunman. The suspect he shot was later identified as a man who was on parole for attempted murder and several robberies, despite having been previously sentenced to three life terms in prison.
Officer Maguire was rushed to a hospital in nearby Burlington, but he succumbed to his wounds. The two remaining suspects were apprehended by law enforcement. They would go on to face multiple charges, including murder and robbery, for their roles in the crime that led to the death of a beloved husband, father of three, and respected police officer. John B. Maguire, remembered as a man who cherished his family and was dedicated to education and learning, was laid to rest with full honors, leaving behind a legacy of service and ultimate sacrifice.
